Now that the snow has melted, (fingers crossed there’s no more spring snow) you can see the damage winter weather has done to your asphalt driveway.

But are those cracks and crumbles urgent, or can you wait a month or a year before doing some asphalt maintenance?

We get asked this question a lot, so we put together a ranked list of types of asphalt damage and how quickly they should be repaired to avoid major problems.

Minor damage – Lowest urgency

• Cracks between ¼ inch to ⅜ inch wide
• Dull surface
• Faded lines and markings

Moderate damage – Medium urgency

• Cracks wider than ⅜ inch
• Alligator cracking — small connected cracks that look like alligator skin
• Crumbling asphalt

Major damage – Highest urgency

• Uneven pavement
• Puddling of  water
• Potholes

This list is only a guide. If asphalt is breaking apart, has potholes, or tiny creeks running through it, the situation could be more urgent. The best way to know how significant your damage is: call us at (616) 772-2559 to schedule a free estimate.

Consequences of Ignoring Asphalt Damage

Minor Asphalt Damage

Ignoring the minor issues like small cracks and faded surfaces and lines won’t directly lead to immediate deterioration, personal injury, or vehicle damage. But it will leave people with a negative impression of your home or business.

Dull and graying asphalt can decrease your property values, especially if you are looking to sell. And you lose that sense of pride you had when your blacktop was…actually black.

Faded markings in your parking lot could cause safety issues with your customers. No one has time for an insurance claim.

Even small cracks should be filled so they don’t spread or widen. You can prevent cracking and bring your asphalt back to life by sealcoating it. Sealcoating doubles the life of your asphalt.

Moderate Asphalt Damage

Wide cracks, alligator cracking, and crumbling asphalt are problems that should have you setting aside some money and scheduling repairs during the 2023 paving season.

Our schedule typically ends in November, and our spring is filling up fast. It would be wise to schedule your free estimate. We can schedule your repairs farther out in the year if you need time to plan and budget.

Larger linear cracks need to be filled to prevent widening or deepening. Asphalt cracks allow water, oils, gas, and sunlight to damage the base, which can ruin your driveway or parking lot.

Once alligator cracking (photo above) starts, it will not stop. Not only is alligator cracking ugly, it is detrimental to the health of your blacktop. And you’re just a crack or two away from potholes and major excavation.

Crumbling asphalt starts off as moderately urgent problem but can easily become urgent. Once your asphalt starts eroding, the problem will continue to get worse until it’s repaired.

Major Asphalt Damage

If you have uneven asphalt, puddles of standing water, or potholes, you need repairs urgently.

Uneven asphalt is an indicator that the substructure of your asphalt is deteriorating. Basically, your blacktop is crumbling from the inside out.

If you have standing water anywhere on your asphalt, you are on your way to having potholes. Much like uneven asphalt, puddles are a major signal of crumbling substructures and need to be repaired right away.

I don’t have to tell you that if your blacktop has potholes, you need them filled in immediately. Potholes are unsafe, ugly, and annoying. They can cause major damage to vehicles or pedestrians. Potholes are a clear sign that your asphalt is in trouble.

Don’t ignore the damage winter caused to your driveway or parking lot 

Sadly, ignoring problems doesn’t actually make them go away. It only makes them worse.

Stripe A Lot has nearly 40 years of experience repairing and preventing the damage that West Michigan winters have on asphalt.

We can help you determine:

• how significant your damage is
• what the cost will be to repair it
• when the work should be done

Call us today at (616) 772-2559 to schedule your free estimate.